Clearwater Beach Uncorked 2016 is almost here. If you have been missing out on this wonderful event, make plans to attend this year, as this is hands down one of the best food and wine fests in Florida.

Clearwater Beach Uncorked is a two day food, wine and craft beer festival that draws thousands of attendees to Florida's award winning Clearwater Beach. Located 23 miles West of Tampa, foodies, wine enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados can wiggle their toes in the sugar white sand, while enjoying all that the 30,000 square foot Grand Tasting Tent has to offer. Clearwater Beach Uncorked has been dubbed the hippest, most exciting two-day food, wine, and craft beer festival on Florida’s West Coast. The event welcomes thousands of attendees each February to Florida’s award winning Clearwater Beach.

The 30,000 sq. ft. Grand Tasting Tent will feature a vast array of mouthwatering taste experiences for discerning palettes. A percentage of ticket sales will benefit the University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee School of Hospitality and Technology.

Fabulous food from the area’s noteworthy restaurants, wines from across the globe, and national and regionally produced artisan craft beers help to create a weekend long epicurean experience. Wine specialists, brew masters and chefs from across the Bay area will add an exciting dimension of gastronomic intrigue.

VIP ticket holders will have access to the all-new exclusive VIP tent which features a variety of reserve wines, bubbly and tasty bites, in addition to entry into the Grand Tasting Tent. This year, VIPs are invited to attend the first-ever VIP Beach Brunch, which includes mimosas, muffins, and more!

Here are just a few of some of the Chef Biographies of the chefs attending this years event and doing live demonstrations both days:

Jim Hendry-Publix Aprons Cooking School

Before joining the Aprons program in 2002, James spent a number of years honing his culinary skills at some of southwest Florida’s most acclaimed restaurants. As the resident chef of Aprons Sarasota location, he has had the pleasure of working with some of the world’s finest chefs and winemakers and continues to pass along his own passion for food to all of his students, both young and old.

Anthony Logerfo–Publix Aprons Cooking School

Anthony LoGerfo joined Aprons Cooking School in October 2010. Coming from an Italian background, food and family have always been a big part of his life. In 1991, Anthony graduated from the French Culinary studying under the world-renowned Master Chef, Jaques Pepin, where he learned the most important lessons about traditional French cuisine. After three short years with Publix, Anthony has been promoted to Resident Chef. Still sharing his passion for food, culinary knowledge, and expertise so that you too can learn to have fun in the kitchen.

Emily Ellyn–Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen Winner

Emily Ellyn is best known as the Retro Rad Chef from Food Network; appearing on Food Network Star,Cupcake Wars and most recently as the winner of Cutthroat Kitchen.She’s also a culinary educator and food writer, who writes for edible and BAR magazines and lectures at the University of Central Florida. When she’s not busy writing or finishing her PhD. in Food Service Education, you’ll find Emily in her trademark cat-eyed glasses, cooking up fun at food and spirits events around the world.

Joseph DiPaolo–Duncan Hines

Chef DiPaolo and his team, have full research and development responsibility for some of America’s most loved grocery brands including Duncan Hines cake mixes and frostings, Comstock-Wilderness fruit and pie fillings,Vlasic pickles and Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin syrups. Chef DiPaolo holds a Baking and Pastry Degree from the Culinary Institute of America and is a member of the Retail Bakers Association.

Ticket Pricing & Inclusions – Tickets are priced at $65 per person, per day for general admission and $95 per person, per day for VIP.

New VIP Experiences – Guests who purchase a VIP ticket will enjoy a new VIP Beach Brunch taking place from noon to 1 p.m. each day before the main event opens its doors. Brunch includes muffins, munchies, mimosas and more. A VIP ticket also includes access to a VIP tent on the beach throughout the day, with an exclusive set-up of reserve wines, bubbles and light bites.

Grand Tasting – From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day on February 6 and 7, attendees will have the chance to wiggle their toes in the sugar white sand while sipping and savoring items from the area’s most delectable restaurants, boutique hot spots and world-class hotels. The Grand Tasting will take place in a newly expanded 30,000 square foot tent, setting the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic event.

BREW-B-QUE – Food Network Chef Emily Ellyn will tease the taste buds with a special Brew-B-Que cooking presentation on the Publix Aprons Cooking Stage. Attendees will explore the culinary diversity of cooking with craft beer during this unique event. Savory will meet sweet as Chef Emily pairs pork, Three Daughters Beach Blonde Ale and savory spices for an extraordinary Brew-B-Que experience.

Enhanced Line-up of Interactive Experiences – Marking its anniversary, the 2016 Clearwater Beach Uncorked will feature an even greater line-up of food and drinks, courtesy of new sponsors and vendors. Guests will meet and learn from leading wine specialists, brew masters and accomplished chefs from across the Bay area, including Chef Richard Preston from the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Chef Robert from Shephard’s Beach Resort and Chef Justin Winkler from Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key.

Six Live Cooking Demonstrations – Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the 2016 Clearwater Beach Uncorked, six live on-stage cooking demonstrations will take place with renowned chefs from across the country. Chefs featured in the fifth anniversary event program include Jim Hendry, Anthony Logerfo and Brian Mullins (Publix Aprons Cooking School); Joseph DiPaolo (Duncan Hines) and Emily Ellyn.

Backed by a distinguished roster of presenting sponsors, Clearwater Beach Uncorked attributes much of its success to its presenting partners, including Bright House, Publix Super Markets, City of Clearwater, and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Clearwater Beach Uncorked is also supported by Transamerica, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Florida and Great Florida Events.

A portion of the proceeds of the 2016 Clearwater Beach Uncorked will benefit University of South Florida’s Sarasota Manatee School of Hospitality and Tourism Leadership. Funds will be used to develop academic programs, scholarships, research grants and campus infrastructure. Clearwater Beach Uncorked has also partnered with the University to implement an educational component incorporating the festival into the fall curriculum. Students are currently competing to develop unique marketing initiatives where the winners’ ideas will be implemented at this coming year’s event.

For more information about Clearwater Beach Uncorked, or to Purchase Tickets visit: